High Potential Episode 8 Proves That Morgan And Tom’s Relationship Is Doomed From The Start

High Potential made its highly-anticipated return with episode 8, but it spelled trouble for a romance that only just started. Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) made waves in the first seven episodes with her unique style, sense of humor, and unexpectedly deep motivations. Her performance alone is enough of a reason to watch High Potential, but Morgan’s interpersonal relationships are just as captivating. When Tom (JD Pardo) appeared in episode 6 (“Hangover”), it was unclear if he would be a serious love interest or just a flirt. By the end of the episode, Morgan wrote her number on the door for Tom.

Their flirtation carried over to episode 7 (“One of Us”), where Tom asked her out more formally. Before the two could make good on it, a hostage situation broke out and Tom was shot in the High Potential midseason finale. He made it clear to Morgan that he still wanted to see her, even from a hospital bed. While many signs point to Morgan and Daniel Sunjata’s Karadec having a slow-burn romance, High Potential season 2 is still unconfirmed. Consequently, whatever relationship status Morgan ends the pilot season with might be permanent if ABC somehow doesn’t renew its hit procedural.

Morgan Ignores Tom & Opts To Work With Karadec Instead

She Chooses Work Instead Of Date Night

The first scene of High Potential’s midseason premiere (“Obsessed”) wasted no time pointing out a key flaw in Morgan and Tom’s romance: Morgan doesn’t have the time to commit. Between being a mother and an LAPD consultant, she’s stretched fairly thin already. After getting wrapped up in a new case, Morgan’s phone lights up. Instead of answering Tom’s text, she heads to Karadec’s apartment. The two work the case intimately, with Morgan even crashing on the couch. High Potential could be a TV show with consistent romance subplots if Morgan and Karadec continue bonding.

While many debate whether High Potential’s Morgan would be better with Karadec or Tom, the answer is complicated. Morgan would likely rather choose her work over a relationship anyway, and it just so happens that Karadec comes along with her job. Yet, she seems sincere about exploring her potential with Tom. With the procedural in its pilot season, she should have ample time to think before making any decisions. High Potential’s midseason premiere ratings should earn another season, at least, and open up the door for more romantic development.

Selena Interrupts Tom & Morgan’s Dinner Date

Roman’s Mystery Is Still Unsolved

Though Morgan and Tom eventually have a date, it’s not the perfect night off they anticipated. Even as they toast to a new relationship, a work call once again interrupts them. Rather than a new case, Selena (Judy Reyes) calls Morgan in to discuss an old one: the disappearance of her ex-husband, Roman Sinquerra. What happened to Roman in High Potential has been an underlying mystery of the first season, but not many developments have been made up to episode 8. However, Morgan quickly abandons the date to meet her because Selena found a potential lead for Roman’s case.

Regardless of the revelations Selena will find in the coming episodes, not knowing what happened to her husband 15 years ago is something that haunts not only Morgan but her daughter, Ava (Amirah J). With the uncertainty looming in the background, it would be impossible for Morgan to fully commit to a new relationship, even if she has fully moved on from Roman romantically. Morgan has already shown that concern for her daughter can trump everything else, and that could easily extend to her romance or necessary lack thereof while they learn the truth about Roman.

Tom & Morgan Are Adorable, But Can Their Relationship Actually Work?

Attraction Isn’t A Good Enough Foundation

Morgan deserves someone like Tom who can keep up with her banter and be upfront about his feelings, but their relationship must be temporary if it’s going to exist at all. Tom may have reassured her that his life is just as chaotic and messy as hers, but that doesn’t mean they should be together. In fact, two people going through sudden and emotional changes would make a terrible couple without a stable foundation. The two make a cute pair, but life will get in the way too much and prevent them from being anything other than short-term.

French predecessor HPI might spoil Morgan’s High Potential romance, but there’s still a chance that the drama takes creative liberties and explores other options. Unfortunately, even if High Potential gives Morgan a different partner than HPI, it’s unlikely that Tom will be it. A relationship between the two would serve a narrative function, but it would come to an end once its use has run out. Luckily for High Potential, Morgan doesn’t need a romantic partner to be interesting; her masterful deduction, clever quips, and fashionable outfits are just as eye-catching whether she’s single or dating.

High Potential continues Tuesday, 9 ET on ABC.

Morgan, a single mother of three with a brilliant but unconventional mind, partners with a methodical detective after solving a crime during her job as a cleaner. Together, they form an unlikely but effective duo, blending her unique problem-solving skills with his by-the-book approach to tackle challenging cases​.

Release Date

September 17, 2024

Seasons

1

Cast

Javicia Leslie
, Kaitlin Olson
, Deniz Akdeniz
, Amirah J
, Matthew Lamb
, Judy Reyes
, Daniel Sunjata
, Garret Dillahunt
, TJ Lee
, Kayvon Esmaili
, Ariella Amar
, Michelle C. Bonilla
, Kerry O’Malley
, Graham Rogers
, Maia Jae Bastidas
, Pamela Roylance
, Rosslyn Luke
, Sebastien Roberts

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